We've put together answers to some of the most common questions about the Akai Pro MPC Renaissance, MPC Studio, and MPC Software. With the tips in this FAQ under your belt, you'll have even better control over your new hardware and software.

How many computers can I authorize the MPC Software on?

The MPC Software can be authorized on 4 computers.

Will MPC Software updates be available?

Yes! MPC Software updates are and will continue to be available. You will also find that MPC Software updates offer new features to your MPC hardware! The MPC Software will prompt you when updates are available. This pop-up prompt will tell you what version is available, and what version you currently have installed. You can also manually check for updates.

On OSX, select the menu titled “MPC”, and select “Check For Updates…”.

On Windows, select the menu titled, “Help”, and select “Check For Updates…”.

What plugin formats are the MPC Software available in?

Where can I drop samples from?

Samples can be dropped into the MPC Software from the MPC Software File Browser, a Mac/Windows file browser, files on disk, or even directly from other programs.

Can samples be loaded into a project while a track is playing?

Yes! Samples can be loaded into a Program without interrupting playback.

Can I nudge beats?

Yes! All selected beats can be nudged. This is performed with a computer keyboard command.

On Mac OS X, hold CMD and press left or right.

On Windows, hold CTRL and press left and right.

This will shift notes with relation to the currently selected TIME CORRECT value. Fine resolution values for note events can nudged using the same key commands while holding down the Shift button on your computer keyboard.

Is there a list of computer keyboard commands?

Yes. A list of keyboard commands is located on page 111 of the MPC Software User Manual, in a section titled Keyboard Shortcuts. Go to the Help menu in the MPC software to open the User Manual.

Can the MPC Software load Instrument and Effect Plugins?

The MPC Software supports VST2 and AU instrument and effect plugins.

Can effect presets be saved?

MPC effect presets are saved on a project basis. Also, creating third party VST and AU effect plugin presets is a good way to recall previous effect settings.

Will MPC Software be compatible with Rewire?

No. Currently, MPC Software is not supported for use with Rewire. The MPC Plugin is available in VST, AU, and RTAS formats, using the MPC Plugin in a a Rewire compatible host will allow you to use the Rewire feature with the MPC Software.

How can I draw smooth automation?

Change the global Time Correct value to “Off”.

Are 32 & 64 bit versions of the MPC Software available?

Yes! MPC Software is available in both 32 and 64-bit Standalone, VST, AU and AAX formats.

Can I load other MPC's Samples, Programs, Sequences, and Songs?

Yes. File formats through the history of the MPC series can be loaded into the MPC Software. Files from the MPC3000 to the MPC5000 are compatible.

Does the sample edit and chop window support snap-to-zero-cross editing?

Yes it does! This feature is enabled by default, and can be disabled in the MPC software page titled, “Sample Edit”.

Will I be able to use the MPC Software without the MPC Renaissance, Studio or Touch connected?

Yes! Use MPC Software on the road without plugging in hardware. The only time the MPC Renaissance or Studio needs to be connected will be when authorizing the MPC software.

I can't find the multiple partitions on my zip disk that hold Legacy MPC files. How do I locate the files?

Modern Windows and Mac operating systems will only be able to read partition "A" from a partitioned zip disk. If necessary, you can reload project files to a Legacy MPC and re-save to partition A of the zip disk. Additionally, Chicken System's Translator may be able to access additional partitions, but only with regards to SCSI drives.

How do I access the five Folder buttons and save locations in the File Browser?

On you MPC Renaissance and Studio select the Browser button and use the < and > Cursor, and Data Dial to navigate to the desired folder you would like to set as the default location. When you've located the folder press F1(Set). You will now be prompted to select which Folder (1-5) you would like to save. Now press F5(Do It).

Using the MPC Software, select the folder, then the directory in which you would like to bookmark. Hold the Shift key on your computer's keyboard, and click the selected folder. Confirmation of the new folder will result in a yellow colored icon.

MPC Renaissance & Studio

Does the MPC Renaissance or Studio work as a standalone sequencer?

A: No. The MPC Renaissance & Studio are fully integrated USB MIDI controllers for your computer. Both are designed to work seamlessly with the included MPC Software, and MPC Essentials providing all of the major workflow points of the Legacy MPC's, while including lots of new enhancements.

How do I turn pad lights off?

A: The pads will light up different colors, depending on how hard you play them (ranging from yellow at a low velocity, and red at the highest velocity). To disable (or re-enable) these lights, on the MPC Renaissance or Studio, press PAD ASSIGN then F6 (Velo Col).

Will the MPC Renaissance or Studio burn CD’s?

A: The MPC Renaissance and Studio does not include a CD disk drive, or option for one. The MPC software will export an Audio Mixdown in WAV, AIFF, and MP3 formats, which can be burned to a CD from your computer’s disk drive.

I can't find the power adapter for my MPC Renaissance. Was it missing from the box?

A: The MPC Renaissance includes a 12V DC 2.0A pin-positive, auto-switching power adapter in the box. The Akai Professional Part no. is AL7-10-1215. It comes inserted into a cutout in the packing foam. Because the power supply is light weight, and is in a white box that is form-fitting to the packing foam, it can be hard to find in the packaging.Also, when you're unpacking the MPC Renaissance, you probably don't spend too much time oogling the packing foam! Rest assured, it is in there! If, for any reason, you need a replacement power supply, just contact Akai Professional Support.

Does the MPC Studio use a power Supply?

A: No. Wire free! The MPC Studio is powered from USB connection, and does not include any other connections for power.

What Does the Vintage Mode button do on the MPC Renaissance?

A: Vintage Modes allow you to choose an emulation of vintage sonic qualities from classic drum machines and samplers, for example, the MPC3000 or MPC60.

Is Vintage Mode available with the MPC Studio?

A: Yes! Vintage mode can be turned on and off in the MPC software. All vintage modes can be found in Preferences > Other > Vintage Mode. You can choose between modes for the MPC 3000, MPC 60, and SP1200.

What's different about the MPC Studio, compared to the MPC Renaissance?

A: The MPC Studio is designed to be slim, and is easily portable. Adding to this portability, an MPC Studio Neoprene Case is provided in the box to help keep your new controller protected! Smaller in size, the MPC Studio will provide all of the same controls over the MPC Software as the MPC Renaissance. New to the MPC Studio is a Scroll knob, this knob will allow you to select sections of 4 parameters in the MPC Software's interface, which can then be manipulated by the device's 4 Q-Link knobs. Exclusively, the MPC Renaissance includes Vintage Mode, and has an audio interface built in.

Can I use the MPC Renaissance and Studio with other programs?

A: As of MPC Software version 1.5, and included in MPC Essentials, a MIDI Mapping Mode feature assists with assigning MIDI values for controlling external MIDI gear, and with mapping control inside DAW environments when using the MPC Software plugin. That said, MPC Renaissance & Studio can be used without the MPC Software running, but manually MIDI mapping will generally be a required feature of the DAW's environment. If you do manually MIDI map your MPC hardware without the MPC Software running, a DAW with a MIDI learn feature will be easier to map than one without. You cannot change the MIDI note numbers and CC numbers that your MPC Hardware is assigned to unless you are using the MPC Software's MIDI map mode.

Like the MPC Renaissance, is the MPC Studio an audio interface?

A: No. The MPC Studio is a fully integrated controller for the MPC Software, and will require audio input and output from your computer's sound card, or external audio interface, like an Akai Pro EIE or EIE Pro. In choosing to use a sound card or audio interface, ASIO driver types are strongly recommended along with the latest updates for your sound card or audio interface's drivers.

Does the MPC Studio include MIDI ports for external sequencers and hardware sound modules?

A: Yes. The MPC Studio includes MIDI In and Out ports. Included with the MPC Studio are 2, 1/8" to 5-Pin MIDI conversion breakout cables. 1 for the MPC Studio's MIDI Input and Output ports.

There are lots of new features in the MPC Hardware & Software, right?

A: Definitely! We'll give you details on a few of the new features that will be found in the MPC Hardware & Software. “Half Level” – like “Full Level” with a 127 velocity output. “Half Level” will allow a medium velocity output of 64. “Latch” – when activated this feature will permanently turn on “Note Repeat”, so that the Note Repeat button does not need to be held down. Q-Link Trigger – Holding this button, and touching one of the Q-Link knobs will make the parameter’s value jump to a predetermined value. And, on the MPC Studio, the Scroll knob, which allows the device's 4 Q-Link knobs to access any parameter point in the MPC Software! These are just a few of the new features available. Akai Pro is excited for you to discover all the new features.